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4mo ago

Rise East Secures $100 Million to Transform East Oakland

The decade-long initiative led by local nonprofits aims to rebuild Black neighborhoods through housing, jobs, and cultural preservation.

Ashley Lee, an anti-racist impact facilitator, speaks during the community meeting in support of Rise East in January.
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Janine Grantham, with Black Organizing Project, reads a poem she wrote during a group exercise in January at a community meeting in support of the Rise East investment in East Oakland.
Greg Hodge, CEO of Brotherhood of Elders Network, speaks during the community meeting in support of Rise East in January.

Overview

  • Rise East, a 10-year community-led plan, has reached its $100 million funding goal to revitalize a 40-square-block area of East Oakland.
  • The initiative is spearheaded by four Oakland-based nonprofits: Black Cultural Zone, Brotherhood of Elders Network, East Oakland Youth Development Center, and Roots Community Health.
  • Initial investments include property acquisitions, such as converting a church into a performance space and expanding affordable housing by transforming single-family homes into triplexes.
  • The plan prioritizes creating paid internships and fellowships for low-income youth, offering stipends of up to $10,000 to support career development.
  • Funding will also support 100 community ambassadors to enhance neighborhood cleanliness and manage local events, while aiding small business incubation in areas abandoned by major retailers.